At the December 7, 2010 Board Meeting, Mayor William R. Hanauer announced the appointment of Richard A. Leins to the position of Village Manager.

Mr. Leins, who is an attorney, comes to the position with a long history of municipal public service.From May – December 1983 he served as Deputy Corporation Counsel for the Village, then as Ossining Town Attorney until he returned to the position of Deputy Corporation Counsel in May of 1994.He was appointed Village Corporation Council in August of 2003.In February 2010, Mr. Leins was appointed Interim Village Manager, a position he also held from March 2007 through September 2007.

The Board of Trustees feels that Mr. Leins’ background, experience, and breadth of knowledge of Local, County and State issues as well as his expertise as an attorney are an excellent match for the demands of the position of Ossining Village Manager.

The Village Manager is the Chief Operating Officer for the Corporation of the Village of Ossining, a municipality serving over 27,000 residents.Among the duties of the office are the responsibility for development and oversight of the execution of the annual budget, managing Village departments, their respective department heads and employees, and the general responsibility of the day to day operations of the Village of Ossining.He also oversees the Village’s on-going efforts at inter-municipal cooperation.

The Board is confident that his familiarity, not just with the Village, but also with the Village of Briarcliff Manor and the Town of Ossining will facilitate further cooperation between all three municipalities.

The Board feels that the selection of Mr. Leins is a positive step forward for the Village as it continues to improve the delivery of the highest level of services to our residents.

VILLAGE OF OSSINING SEEKING CORPORATION COUNSEL: The Village of Ossining is seeking applicants for the position of Corporation Counsel.The Corporation Counsel is an officer of the Corporation of the Village of Ossining and acts as General Counsel to the Village.Duties include advising Village officials, agencies, boards, commissions and employees on a variety of legal matters and representing their interests in court.In addition the Corporation Counsel may also do related work as assigned/required.The Corporation Counsel has an office in the Village Manager’s Suite and is expected to spend at least half of his/her time in Village offices rendering opinions and legal services as needed.MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Graduation from an accredited law school; admission to and a member in good standing of the Bar of the State of New York; and three (3) years of full-time experience in the practice of law.In accordance with the Village Charter, the Corporation Counsel must be a resident of the Village and Town of Ossining.Salary commensurate with experience, municipal experience preferred.Interested applications should send a letter of interest and resume to Village Manager Richard A. Leins, Village of Ossining, 16 Croton Avenue, Ossining, New York10562 or via email to Assistant Village Manager cpapes@villageofossining.org by December 31st of this year.

Congratulations to OssiningHigh School Varsity Athletic Teams...

For receiving the NYS Scholar Athlete Team Award for maintaining a 90 or above GPA during the fall season:

Girls Swimming - 95.582

Girls Cross Country - 94.614

Boys Cross Country - 93.376

Girls Tennis - 91.887

Girls Volleyball - 91.780

Girls Soccer - 91.285

Girls Field Hockey - 91.038

Boys Football - 91.002

Congratulations team members we’re proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished!

The Baker Collyer Christmas Cheer Fund was started by an Ossining merchant who witnessed two children picking through a garbage pile for food, 95 years ago. The current Chairman of the Baker-Collyer Cheer Fund is John Crawford. Solicitations are distributed to the public each year in late November. Over 300 local needy families in the greater Ossining area are aided through the fund each year, thanks to the generous efforts of the community. This year we are expecting a larger request than past years. This will make our efforts even more challenging, to fulfill our goals. All funds go solely to purchase food for the holiday baskets. The administration efforts are handled by volunteers and the baskets are packed and delivered by members of the Ossining Volunteer Fire Department. This year the packing will take place at the A& P, Pleasantville Road on the evening of December 22nd and delivered in the early morning of December 23rd .The fire department volunteers not only give of their time, but also provide the transportation for deliveries. To personally see the look or hear a thank you from the appreciative recipients makes our holiday season that much brighter and rewarding. Please consider being part of this 95 year tradition. Contributions can be sent to the Baker-Collyer Christmas Cheer Fund, c/o Town of Ossining, 16 Croton Avenue, Ossining, NY 10562 or by contacting John Crawford at telephone # 914-438-9843, 914-762-1958 or e mail johngcrawford@aol.com.

The Ossining Boat & Canoe Club (OBCC) is supporting the US Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program as our annual holiday project for the 10th year.We work with our US Marine Corps Reserve representative and our community churches to be sure all toy donations are received by local children.Follow us on Facebook for the latest program information: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Toys-for-Tots-Ossining/154883501221405.Donation containers are being placed at local merchants, offices and organizations in an effort to collect new, unwrapped goods from customers to be distributed to children ranging from infants to late-teens. Locations around Ossining who plan to participate include:

The donation containers will carry an official Toys for Tots logo and should remain available for contributions through Saturday, December 18th; we will be delivering the items collected to the Marine Corps and church representatives on Sunday, December 19th for wrapping and final distribution.Financial contributions are also welcome in the coin canisters or by check payable to “Toys for Tots Foundation” (not to our boat club). The Marines use these to supplement items needed or for big-ticket items such as a television or computer for group homes.We invite you to join us in this holiday project. For further information, you may contact Pat & Mike Scarduzio at patunger1@optonline.net

The toy catalogues are out. Excited children will be marking pages and dreaming, watching the first snowflakes and anxiously awaiting the holidays and Santa Claus. How many children's dreams won't be fulfilled this holiday season? Help Open Door Family Medical Centers make a little magic for our young patients. Donate a new, unwrapped toy for children from infants to 14 years old, with a maximum value of $20 to Open Door Holiday Toy Drive. No time to shop? Visit our wish lists at amazon.com under award@ood.org or toysrus.com under Alicia Ward. Need a little holiday spirit? Come and help Open Door wrap the 3,000 new toys we are working to collect. For more information about how you can help please contact Alicia Ward, Open Door Volunteer Coordinator at 914-502-1468 or award@ood.org.

Ballroom Exercise Core and More

Location: Ms. Ferdinandova's BalletSchool: 468 North State Road, Briarcliff Manor.Date: Tuesday and Thursday throughout the year, Time: 5:30-6:30pmThe objective of Ballroom Exercise Core and More is to dance to routines to ballroom rhythms.They will be doing routines to Cha Cha, Meringue, Rhumba, Salsa, Tango, Samba and much more, with a concentration on the core area.These routines will burn calories, help you to slim down, relieve stress, get cardio benefits and most of all have fun.This program was created to help people feel good about themselves and to lead a healthy lifestyle.Exercise, diet and health are also discussed.This program will encourage participants to lead a healthy, active lifeand will give them the confidence they deserve to feel good about themselves and be proud of their body.Private Lessons are also given at people's homes and at the instructor’s home on a regular basis. Please feel free to e-mail tangomama123@aol.comor call 914-715-3842 for more information.

Wunderlich Art & Collectibles, in conjunction with the Ossining Arts Council presents “A Tribute to the Hudson: Current Expressions” December 8th thru December 28th at the Ossining Public Library Gallery.The Hudson RiverSchool came to visual prominence in the 19th century when large numbers of tourists and artists visited and recorded their journeys in words and image. In 1825 Thomas Cole made his famous trip along the river and his landscapes of the scenery gave rise to the Hudson RiverSchool, a group of painters who lived and worked in this region. Their paintings attracted collectors, and critics praised their landscapes for initiating the first American art movement. American art was starting to be of consequence to the world.“A Tribute to the Hudson: Current Expressions” is a continuation of that movement with works by contemporary artists inspired by the natural wonders of the HudsonValley region. Just as it did for Thomas Cole, Frederick Church and the printmakers Currier & Ives in the past, our river and its region remain a powerful source of inspiration for living artists. This exhibit, born from the spirit of the Hudson RiverSchool, welcomes the traditional as well as abstract. We look forward to viewing how the HudsonValley is perceived by artists of our time.Art Profile: Paintings, Drawings, and Printmaking of or relating to the Hudson River or Hudson RiverValley. For additional information, please visit the Ossining Art Council website at www.ossiningartscouncil.org or call (914) 502-4157.

Maryknoll Welcomes Christmas To The LowerHudsonValleyAnnual Christmas Concert Features Religious and Traditional Music With The Maryknoll Choir And Local Musicians.The annual Maryknoll Christmas Concert of religious and traditional music will welcome the beginning of the Christmas season to the LowerHudsonValley on Friday, December 10, at 8 p.m. The concert also will include a preview of music composed specifically for a new Mass that will celebrate the centennial of Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers during 2011.Led by a choir composed of Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, Maryknoll Sisters, Maryknoll Lay Missioners, along with friends and neighbors, plus a separate children’s choir, the concert will be held at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Chapel, 55 Ryder Road in Ossining. Admission is free and neighbors of all faiths are welcome. Reservations are not required.The choir is under the direction of Lucille Naughton, director of music at Maryknoll. Music will be provided by local artists -- organist/accompanist Lana Kolath, trumpeter Jerry Lucadamo and guitarist Matt Hickey. The audience will be encouraged to participate in the joy of the Christmas season.The choir will present Christmas and Advent music from as long ago as the 13th century along with contemporary standards. Religious music will include Veni, Veni Emmanuel from the 13th century and I Saw Three Ships from the 16th century. Seasonal music will feature Do You Hear What I Hear and Star Child. The children’s choir of five to 11-year-olds also will sing a variety of holiday songs that include The Little Drummer Boy and We Wish You a Merry Christmas.Light refreshments will be served after the concert and Santa Claus will greet the children.

All Aboard Childcare Center Blood Drive – The All Aboard Childcare center will be sponsoring a Blood Drive with the New YorkBloodCenterSaturday, December 11, 2010 from 9:00 am until 1:30 pm at 255 N Highland Ave, Ossining. Walk-ins are welcomed. To book a time slot or for additional information contact Co-chairmen Maddie Freed at the center (923-1700 x1) or Julie Spedaliere (886-8627). DONATE BLOOD NOW . . . you may get it back someday.

Teatown Events:

Saturday, December 11, 8:00 am PRE-COUNT BIRDING

ALL WELCOME. Help us prepare for the Christmas Bird Count by finding the places the birds have settled in for the winter. Led by Charlie Roberto, Teatown Trustee and bird expert.

Saturday, December 11, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pmRAPTOR ROUND-UP

ALL WELCOME. Take a stroll around the Wildlife Loop to learn about Teatown’s raptors, and meet some of them close–up.

Sunday, December 12, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pmSUNDAY ANIMAL ADVENTURES

CHILDREN. Who are Teatown’s best ambassadors? The animals in Teatown’s collection – that’s who! Each session will feature a different animal’s natural history, conservation status and ecological connections. For children of all ages, little ones must be accompanied by an adult.

For Information or to register for a program, call (914) 762-2912 ext 110, Tuesday – Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Registration is required for all programs. All programs take place in the Nature Center at Teatown Lake Reservation (1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining NY 10562) unless otherwise noted and are free for members and $5 for nonmembers (plus materials fee, if applicable) unless otherwise noted. When applicable, all programs must be paid for at the time of booking. They accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover, or you can pay in person with cash or check. No refund will be granted less than two weeks prior to the program date. People withdrawing prior to this deadline will receive a 75% refund (less 25% administrative costs.)

T.B. Flats Affordable Condominiums Open House Saturday, December 11th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 135-139 Main Street.The condominiums are 12 unique one and two bedroom condominiums at 135-139 Main Street and feature open and unique floor plans, energy star appliances, high ceiling & arched windows, private storage space, convenient to Metro North train and Bee Line buses, walk to shopping, restaurants, community facilities, bike and walking trails nearby.Maximum income limits apply, 3% down-payment. For application and additional information call the Housing Action Council at 332-4144 or email hac@affordablehomes.org.

This month the Ossining Public Library Foundation will present a concert by the Jen Chapin Trio on Sunday December 12th, at 3 p.m. in the Budarz Theater. Jen is involved with the organization WHYHUNGER and if you would like to support the group's effors please bring non-perishable food items to the concert.

Barber Shop owner Eddie Brooks is retiring after serving the Ossining community for over 30 years!Join in an appreciation banquet in his honor on Sunday, December 12th from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.The event will be held at Karma Lounge, Main Street.The cost is $35 in advance, $45 at the door, this includes a buffet menu of Penne ala Vodka, Chicken Marsala, Stuffed Filet, Beef, Roasted Potatoes, Vegetables, Salad and Drinks (Soda, Coffee, Tea.)For more information contact Martin McDonald, 762-5760 ex 2370 or email mmcdonald@ossining.k12.ny.us.Brother to Brother - Building Bridges to Build a Better Community.

Sustainability Leaders to Discuss Bright Ideas About Green Lighting at the Ossining Public Library.Twenty percent of electricity produced today is used to light homes and businesses. The use of green lighting can dramatically reduce this electrical consumption, in turn making our reliance on coal and nuclear a thing of the past. On Tuesday, December 14 at 6pm sustainability experts and authors of Green Lighting Brian Howard, Seth Leitman and William Brinsky will lead an in-depth discussion about lighting solutions that will reduce costs and environmental impact at the LEED certified Ossining Public Library www.ossininglibrary.org. For more information about this free event, call (914) 941-2416.In their book, Green Lighting, the authors provide a step-by-step, do-it-yourself guide to installing sustainable lighting such as LEDs, improved efficiency halogen, compact fluorescent lighting, solar lighting, and skylights. The book also explores methods for calculating return on investment and recommended sources for energy-efficient products.

The ALL Ossining Party will be held on December 15th at 6:30 PM Everyone is invited….first come first served.All “Service” Clubs, Committees and/or Not for profits” or residents should reserve for one or a few or reserve a table (10) ….so that all of Ossining can celebrate the holidays together.The party will be held at Traveler’s Rest, cost is$45.00 per person (Cash Bar.)Please tell us you are coming, pay by mail or at the door. Checks payable to: Ossining Rotary Club, PO Box 488, OssiningNY10562.RSVP to Sue Donnelly at suedonnelly53@yahoo.com. We will be collecting for Toys for Tots so remember to bring an unwrapped toy!

CIDADE CAFE at 123 Main Street, Ossining is hosting YIKES! & TYKES BOOK SIGNING on Wednesday, December 15th, 11:30-2:30 p.m. Come meet local authors Linda Griffin and Susan Berliner and try some of Cidade's outstanding pastries, sandwiches and coffee. Dust, by Susan Berliner, is a supernatural thriller about an evil swirl of dust that terrorizes a condo community. It's a fun read that will entertain everyone--women, men, and teens!My Child Won't Listen and other early childhood problems, by Linda Griffin, MS, is an upbeat, practical, no-nonsense parenting book, filled with real-life examples of behavior that the author witnessed during her long teaching career. This is a book for parents, grandparents, educators, and other professionals who work with young children and want strategies that work. Signed books make great holiday gifts.

The Northern Westchester Model Railroad Club has its next monthly meeting Thursday, December 16, in the community room of the Apple Bank in the RoseHillShopping Center in Thornwood. The meeting will begin by 8:00PM and generally breaks up around 10PM. The Northern Westchester Model Railroad Club MODEL CONTEST – The club has kicked off its first model contest. At the next meeting Dec 16th they will be judging the N and HO kits built from N Scale Architect kits. N Scale Architect has offered to award a $50 Gift Certificate to the first place winner and a $25 Gift Certificate to the second place winner. Come on down see the winners. If you would like to attend, please call Hank Teller for all details at 914-309-2395. Hank Teller will also be glad to answer any questions about model railroading. You can call him at 914-309-2395 also.The Northern Westchester Model Railroad Club meets monthly on the third Thursday of the month except in July and August. Come and find out why model railroading is the “Worlds Greatest Hobby.”

The Ossining Public Library continues the second season of the film series, THE LAW THROUGH FILM, with the screening of the film M.I.L.K. (December 16 at 6:30pm) followed by a discussion about gay marriage.Together with the Ossining Public Library, Lehmann & Lehmann Legal Communications is sponsoring the second season of the “Law as Seen Through Film”. The series’ mission is to get the community thinking and talking about legal issues that may or may not directly affect them. Great film, past and present, serves as the vehicle to incite participation and discussion. For information, call 941-2416.

Ossining Elks Lodge 1486 will hold the Elk’s National "Hoop Shoot" free throw contest on Friday, December 17th at 4:30 pm. The contest will be held in the gym at St. Ann's School, 16 Elizabeth Street.The contest is open to boys and girls, ages 8 to 13.The winners of the local shoot off will advance to the district shoot of on January 15th at the JosephG.CaputoCommunity Center.All are welcome.

Come to the JosephG.CaputoCommunity Center, 95 Broadway for Breakfast With Santa on Saturday, December 18th, 2 sessions 10 & 11am.Ages 1 – 12 Free.Get a ticket and reserve a space for either the 10 or 11 o’clock seating. There is a limit of 100 per hour. Come meet and eat breakfast with Santa. Get a small gift and turn in your wish list to the Jolly Elf from the North Pole. Annie will be on hand to entertain and delight the youngsters. You must get your tickets in advance this year, no one will be allowed in without a ticket. Call 941-3189 for information.

Advent/Christmas Lessons & Carols at Trinity Episcopal Church in Ossining on Sunday, December 19th at 4:00PM Come and sing your favorite Christmas carols and hear the choir perform a selection of holiday anthems right in the heart of Ossining! The Landmark Choir, made up of singers from the local Episcopal churches, will perform under the direction of Dale Bonenberger, Director of Music for Trinity Episcopal Church. Trinity's magnificent pipe organ will be used to lead the carols and for solo organ voluntaries.The choir will perform all the standard Willcocks arrangements of carols for choir and congregation in addition to anthems by Palestrina, Dicie, Fettke, and Sumner. Admission is free and a festive reception will follow in the Parish Hall. Trinity Episcopal Church is located in the heart of Ossining at the intersection of Route 9, Main Street, and Croton Avenue (the street address is 7 South Highland Avenue) and the parking lot entrance is on Ellis Place. More information can be found at www.trinityossining.org.

The Ossining Farmers Market is open at Market Square! Community Markets runs every Saturday from 8:30am to 1pm until December 18th on the corner of Main and Spring Street! The market features fresh local, certified organic produce, artisinal organic breads, fish, meat, eggs, cheese, herbs, baked goods and specialty foods, handmade chutney, simmer sauces and other Indian delicacies from Calcutta Kitchens of Norwalk, CT., hard and soft goat cheeses, milk and yogurt from Coach Farm of Pine Plains, NY and mushrooms, orchids and vegetables from Hodgson Farm of Walden, NY. Community Markets will also be hosting events like: cooking demos, tastings, a corn roast and live music throughout the season. Details are posted on their website: www.communitymarkets.biz. The Ossining Farmers Market now accepts (EBT) food stamps. Stop by the manager’s tent with your card.

Special HolidayBlood Drive in Pleasantville…Fire, police and emergency personnel are well aware of the need for blood donations during this time of year.Blood donations fall off dramatically right at the time when the number of holiday-related accidents, injuries and illnesses increases.To help avert anticipated blood shortages during this holiday season, the Pleasantville Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting a special Holiday Blood Drive at the Pleasantville Fire House, 75 Washington Ave,on Tuesday, Dec. 28 from 2:30 pm - 8:30 pm.To thank donors, the NY Mets will be providing each donor with two tickets to an early 2011 season game at Citifield.For information, to sign up or to volunteer, call (914) 747-2408 or send an email to Angela.Usobiaga@verizon.net.Although it is helpful to let the organizers know in advance that you plan to come, walk-ins are always accepted.

Adult Beginner Ballet on Sunday 11:30 till 1pm. Jan 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th at Josie’s Dance Studio, Instructor Irene Kent.The class runs for 4 Sunday’s in total. The class description is: Explore ballet’s foundations in a fun active environment, Gain an understanding of basics which, when combined, create “dance”. Class session will include barre work, center floor, adagio, pirouettes, petite allegro and grand allegro. Emphasis is on correct body alignment and use of terminology; work on dance combinations to improve technical skill, memory and performance. Bring ballet slippers, tights and leotard or leggings. If you have any questions, regarding classes at Josie's please call Irene @ 917-754-6829 or Josie's Dance Studio @ 914-432-8502. If you are interested in registration at SUNY WCC you may contact them at 914-606-6830 and press #1 or email them at: continuinged@sunywcc.edu.Instructor background: Irene Kent has 20 years of experience in dance teaching as well as performing. She is trained in classic ballet as well as in musical theater dance. Irene attended Point Park University Conservatory for Performing Arts where she received her BA degree in Performance. Irene has performed on Broadway, nationally and internationally in such shows as West Side Story A Chorus line, and Cole Porters review. Some of her ballet credits include, The Pittsburgh Symphony, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, and The American Dance Ensemble. Irene has performed in numerous other venues throughout the United States, the Far East, including China and Japan, and through out central Europe. Irene is currently teaching in New York City, SUNY WCC, (spring semester starts Feb 6th) and privately coaching ballet through out the tri-state area. She is also a certified Pilate’s instructor.

The CharlesL.BrieantCommunity Center will be hosting the following events:January 15th: Clothing Drive In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, the CBCC is inviting all youth in Ossining to bring good used clothes (especially winter coats) to Potter Hall, adjacent to TrinityChurch, at 7 South Highland Avenue. Volunteers are needed to sort clothes from 9am to 12noon.May 7th: A celebration of the Foods and Wines of the greater Ossining area.In development: A Youth Art Show that celebrates the history of Ossining.For further information, contact Norman H. Fulton at 941-0000 or email brieantcenter@comcast.net

2011 SAT Prep Classes begin in January & February for the March 12th and May 7th SAT Examinations.Register early by mail and receive a $150 discout (offer ends December 25th.)Classes held at convenient location:2 Church Street, Ossining.Eduscape Associates, P.O. Box 145, Briarcliff Manor, 10510.Quick Links:Registerfor the 2011 SAT Class and view all our test prep, tutoring, Essay Boot Camp and College Prep Programs at www.EduscapeAssociates.comRegister for the SAT I and SAT II examinations at www.CollegeBoard.com.Contact Information:Feel free to contact:Gayle Marchica, Principal and Founder, Eduscape Associates Inc, Office: 914-941-4148 Info@EduscapeAssociates.com with any questions.

SAVE THE DATE!! January 22, 2011 for SAVOR THE FLAVOR!, the 3rd annual New Orleans Mardi Gras style extravaganza —authentic New Orleans food, live music by the VooDUDES, dancing, raffle prizes, silent auction with items priced for everyone's pocketbook including jewelry, art, wine, food, gift baskets etc., and….Let us cook for your SUPERBOWL Party/Dinner/Game Watch! More info to come. All proceeds go to support the continued rebuilding of New Orleans by youth and adult volunteers. Need more information about the trip or any of the fundraising please visit the websites: www.briarcliffchurch.org or www.scarboroughchurch.org or call Jane Ozer at 914-762-7502.

The Junior League of Westchester-on-Hudson will host"Sweet Charity" Chocolate Tasting Benefit on Saturday, February 5thfrom 7:00-9:00pm! The event will feature a professional chocolate tasting with Odyssey Chocolates followed by a reception and live auction. The event will be held at Kendal on Hudson, 1010 Kendal Way in Sleepy Hollow. Please go to www.jlwoh.org or call 914-631-2542 to purchase tickets.

Orchid Condominiums at 73 Spring Street in Ossining: One-bedroom condominiums $130,000, two-bedroom condominiums $160,000. Maximum Income Limits Apply ($58,600 -$83,800, based on number of persons in household.) Why rent when you can own your own home, for more information please call IFCA 941-5252. Applications are available.

Do you have an event or information that you would like included in this web blast? If so please submit to Christina Papes at the Village of Ossining at cpapes@villageofossining.org .

Submissions included in this listing are intended solely to inform of events and information of general interest to subscribers. The Village of Ossining does not necessarily endorse or support organizations or entities whose events and / or activities are listed above. The Village makes no representation as to the accuracy thereof, nor does it assume any liability in connection with same. PPlease don't print this e-mail unless necessary.